Methods and apparatus to support access to services for multiple subscriber identity modules

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods to support parallel access to services of multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) and/or electronic SIMs (eSIMs) by a wireless device are disclosed. The wireless device is a single-radio wireless device that includes wireless circuitry that supports an active voice or video connection via a single radio access network of a cellular wireless network at a time. To send or receive data for a second SIM/eSIM, when an active voice or video connection for a first SIM/eSIM uses the wireless circuitry, the single-radio wireless device can i) establish parallel, linked protocol data unit (PDU) sessions for different SIMs, ii) multiplex traffic for different SIMs over a common radio connection with SIM information embedded in protocol headers for routing by network equipment, and/or iii) use an additional dedicated bearer using a first, active SIM for each data network name (DNN) over which to route for a second, suspended SIM.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/086,175, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS TO SUPPORT ACCESSTO SERVICES FOR MULTIPLE SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULES,” filed Oct. 30,2020, set to issue Jun. 7, 2022 as U.S. Pat. No. 11,357,067, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/929,850,entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS TO SUPPORT ACCESS TO SERVICES FORMULTIPLE SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULES,” filed Nov. 2, 2019, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/932,958, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUSTO SUPPORT ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR MULTIPLE SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULES,”filed Nov. 8, 2019, the contents all of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The described embodiments generally relate to wireless communications,and more particularly, to methods and apparatus to support access toservices for multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) simultaneouslyby a single-radio, multiple SIM (multi-SIM) wireless device. Access maybe achieved using i) a linked protocol data unit (PDU) sessionidentifier that associates two different PDU sessions for two differentSIMs, ii) multiplexed traffic with a tunneling header to distinguishtraffic originated by each SIM, or iii) an additional dedicated beareron an active SIM to route traffic for a parallel suspended SIM.

BACKGROUND

Newer generation, e.g., fourth generation (4G) and fifth generation(5G), cellular wireless networks employing newer radio access technologythat implements one or more 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE Advanced (LTE-A) standards are rapidlybeing developed and deployed by network operators worldwide. The newercellular wireless networks provide a range of packet-based services forboth voice and data in parallel. A user of a wireless device can accessservices offered by a wireless network service provider, also referredto as a mobile network operator (MNO), based on service subscriptionscontrolled by authentication credentials included in a profile, alsoreferred to as a subscriber identity module (SIM), when included in aremovable universal integrated circuit card (UICC), or as an electronicSIM (eSIM), when included in an embedded UICC (eUICC) of the wirelessdevice. With a removable UICC and an unlocked wireless device, a usercan access different services by replacing the UICC/SIM combination.With a configurable eUICC, eSIMs can be downloaded to the eUICC foraccess to different wireless services. Wireless devices that accommodatemultiple UICCs/SIMs and/or multiple eSIMs on an eUICC provide formultiple subscriber identities to be used by the same wireless device toaccess different services, including services that can span differentcellular wireless networks that use different cellular radio accesstechnologies (RATs). Multiple-radio wireless devices can includemultiple transceivers for connecting to distinct cellular wirelessnetworks in parallel; however, the additional wireless transceivercircuitry can increase device volume and cost. Single-radio wirelessdevices, including single-transmitter, multiple-receiver wirelessdevices, can include configurable wireless circuitry to connect withdifferent cellular wireless networks at different times but restrict ordisallow simultaneous, active connections that use different cellularaccess networks in parallel. Moreover, when the single-radio wirelessdevice has an active voice or video connection for a first SIM, a secondSIM can be unable to access data, voice mail, message services, orreceive information for incoming voice or video connection requests.There exists a need for mechanisms to allow a user to access services inparallel using multiple different SIM/eSIM profiles at the same timewith minimal hardware and/or software complexity.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods to support access to services of multiplesubscriber identity modules (SIMs) by a single-radio, multiple SIM(multi-SIM) wireless device are disclosed. The services are associatedwith different subscriber identity modules (SIMs) and/or electronic SIMs(eSIMs) in the wireless device. The wireless device includes a firstSIM/eSIM that provides for access to wireless services of a firstwireless service provider via a first cellular wireless network thatincludes a first radio access network using a first radio accesstechnology and a first core network. The wireless device also includes asecond SIM/eSIM that provides for access to additional wirelessservices, which may be for the same first wireless service provider,e.g., using a common, serving public land mobile network (PLMN), or fora second wireless service provider via a second cellular wirelessnetwork that includes a second radio access network using a second(possibly distinct) radio access technology and a second core network,e.g., using distinct PLMNs. In some embodiments, the wireless deviceincludes multiple SIMs/eSIMs that provide for access to wirelessservices of one or more wireless service providers. The wireless deviceis a single-radio wireless device that includes wireless circuitry thatsupports an active voice or video connection via a single radio accessnetwork of a cellular wireless network at a time and does not supporttwo or more active voice or video connections via cellular wirelessnetworks at the same time. To send or receive data (e.g., internet data,visual voice mail, or SMS), to receive a mobile-terminated incomingvoice or video connection for a second SIM/eSIM, or to establish amobile-originated outgoing voice or video connection for a secondSIM/eSIM, when an active voice or video connection for a first SIM/eSIMuses the wireless circuitry, the single-radio wireless device can useone of the following mechanisms.

In a first mechanism, the wireless device establishes parallel, linkedprotocol data unit (PDU) sessions, one PDU session for a first SIM and asecond, tunneled PDU session using a second SIM, on behalf of the firstSIM, where only one PDU session is active at a time. A SIM of thewireless device can have access to subscription information for one ormore other SIMs and can provide information regarding at least one ofthe one or more other SIMs during an Internet Protocol MultimediaSubsystem (IMS) registration process, during a non-access stratum (NAS)registration procedure with a cellular wireless core network, and/orwhen requesting establishment of parallel PDU sessions. The first andsecond SIMs can be associated with a common PLMN or with differentPLMNs. Accumulated data usage and/or time accounting for tunneled accesscarried via the tunneled PDU session using the second SIM, on behalf ofthe first SIM, can be applied for billing purposes to the first SIM.

In a second mechanism, the wireless device includes subscriberidentification information, e.g., a 5G globally unique temporaryidentity (GUTI) of a subscription that originates data traffic, within aprotocol header field to allow cellular wireless access network element,e.g., a gNodeB, to determine from which of multiple SIMs a data packetoriginated. The cellular wireless access network element separates themultiplexed traffic from multiple SIMs and appropriately routes thetraffic via distinct parallel tunnels to one or more cellular wirelesscore networks.

In a third mechanism, the wireless device creates, using a first, activeSIM, an additional dedicated bearer for each data network name (DNN)over which to route traffic for a second, suspended SIM. In someembodiments, a cellular wireless network initiates creation of theadditional dedicated bearer in response to a first SIM informing thecellular wireless network that the first SIM will be suspended, e.g.,due to a tune-away of cellular wireless circuitry to another cellularwireless network associated with a second SIM. Data traffic for thefirst SIM can be routed through the dedicated bearer based onsubscription information, e.g., international mobile subscriber identity(IMSI), fifth-generation globally unique temporary identity (5G-GUTI),mobile station international subscriber directory number (MSISDN),subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), or subscription concealedidentifier (SUCI) values, as well as network node identifiers, e.g.,access point name (APN) or data network name (DNN) values. When thefirst SIM is resumed, the dedicated bearer for the first SIM via thesecond SIM can be released.

This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some exampleembodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects ofthe subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciatedthat the above-described features are merely examples and should not beconstrued to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter describedherein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of thesubject matter described herein will become apparent from the followingDetailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The described embodiments and the advantages thereof may best beunderstood with reference to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and they are in no way intended to limit orexclude foreseeable modifications thereto in form and detail that may bemade by one having ordinary skill in the art at the time of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a multiple subscriber identity module(SIM)/electronic SIM (eSIM) wireless device communicating with twowireless networks, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates examples of wireless devices that support multiplesubscriber identities, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary set of actions taken by amulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device to establish Internet Protocol MultimediaSubsystem (IMS) protocol data unit (PDU) session tunneling for multipleSIMs that are associated with a common, serving public land mobilenetwork (PLMN), in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary set of actions taken by amulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device to establish IMS PDU session tunnelingfor multiple SIMs that are associated with different PLMNs, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary set of actions taken by amulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device to establish internet data PDU sessiontunneling for multiple SIMs that are associated with a common, servingPLMN, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary set of actions taken by a multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device to establish visual voice mail (VVM) PDU sessiontunneling for multiple SIMs that are associated with a common, servingPLMN, in accordance with some embodiments

FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary set of network elements toimplement PDU session tunneling, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary set of network elements toimplement tunneling with multiplexed data traffic for multiple SIMs, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate diagrams of exemplary packet data convergenceprotocol (PDCP) PDU headers, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a diagram of a network architecture for datatunneling between distinct session management functions (SMFs), inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an exemplary set of actions taken by amulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device to establish UE-initiated internet dataPDU session tunneling for multiple SIMs that are associated withdifferent SMFs, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an exemplary set of actions taken by amulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device to establish NW-initiated internet dataPDU session tunneling for multiple SIMs that are associated withdifferent SMFs, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate another exemplary set of actions taken by amulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device to establish internet data PDU sessiontunneling for multiple SIMs that are associated with different SMFs, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate exemplary procedures for accumulated datausage reporting between SMFs, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15 an example set of components of a wireless device, in accordancewith some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representative examples for accessing wireless services using multiplesubscriber identity modules (SIMs) and/or electronic SIMs (eSIMs) areprovided herein. These examples are provided to add context to, and toaid in the understanding of, the subject matter of this disclosure. Itshould be apparent that the present disclosure may be practiced with orwithout some of the specific details described herein. Further, variousmodifications and/or alterations can be made to the subject matterdescribed herein, and illustrated in the corresponding figures, toachieve similar advantages and results, without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure.

References are made in this section to the accompanying drawings, whichform a part of the disclosure and in which are shown, by way ofillustration, various implementations corresponding to the describedembodiments herein. Although the embodiments of this disclosure aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable one having ordinary skill inthe art to practice the described implementations, it should beunderstood that these examples are not to be construed as beingoverly-limiting or all-inclusive.

Users of wireless devices can seek to access services provided by acommon cellular wireless network service provider for different cellularservice account subscriptions or provided by different cellular wirelessnetwork service providers through different cellular wireless networks.A user can obtain and use a variety of UICCs, also referred to as SIMcards, and/or install multiple electronic SIMs (eSIMs) on an eUICC ofthe wireless device, where the SIMs/eSIMs provide access to services forone or more service providers. Use of multiple SIMs/eSIMs allows forflexibility and convenience to access a broader variety of services bythe wireless device. A user can seek to access services provided bymultiple SIMs/eSIMs without having to use a wireless device that canconnect to multiple associated radio access networks of the cellularwireless networks associated with the multiple SIMs/eSIMs at the sametime.

The wireless device includes a first SIM/eSIM that provides for accessto wireless services of a first wireless service provider via a firstcellular wireless network that includes a first radio access networkusing a first radio access technology and a first core network. Thewireless device also includes a second SIM/eSIM that provides for accessto additional wireless services, which may be for the same firstwireless service provider, e.g., using a common, serving public landmobile network (PLMN), or for a second wireless service provider via asecond cellular wireless network that includes a second radio accessnetwork using a second (possibly distinct) radio access technology and asecond core network, e.g., using distinct serving PLMNs. In someembodiments, the wireless device includes multiple SIMs/eSIMs thatprovide for access to wireless services of one or more wireless serviceproviders. The wireless device is a single-radio wireless device thatincludes wireless circuitry that supports an active voice or videoconnection via a single radio access network of a cellular wirelessnetwork at a time and does not support two or more active voice and/orvideo connections via cellular wireless networks at the same time. Tosend or receive data (e.g., internet data, visual voice mail, or SMS) orto receive a mobile-terminated incoming voice or video connection for asecond SIM/eSIM, when an active voice or video connection for a firstSIM/eSIM uses the wireless circuitry, the single-radio wireless devicecan use one of the following mechanisms. A voice or video connection asdescribed herein can be internet protocol (IP) based or can be a nativevoice connection such as a voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE)connection or a voice/video over new radio (VoNR) connection, which cancarry audio only data or a combination of audio and video data.

In a first mechanism, the wireless device establishes parallel, linkedprotocol data unit (PDU) sessions, one PDU session for a first SIM and asecond, tunneled PDU session using a second SIM, on behalf of the firstSIM, where only one PDU session is active at a time. A SIM of thewireless device can have access to subscription information for one ormore other SIMs and can provide information regarding at least one ofthe one or more other SIMs during an Internet Protocol MultimediaSubsystem (IMS) registration process, during a non-access stratum (NAS)registration procedure with a cellular wireless core network, and/orwhen requesting establishment of parallel PDU sessions. The first andsecond SIMs can be associated with a common PLMN or with differentPLMNs. Accumulated data usage and/or time accounting for tunneled accesscarried via the tunneled PDU session using the second SIM, on behalf ofthe first SIM, can be applied for billing purposes to the first SIM.

In a second mechanism, the wireless device includes subscriberidentification information, e.g., a 5G globally unique temporaryidentity (GUTI) of a subscription that originates data traffic, within aprotocol header field to allow cellular wireless access network element,e.g., a gNodeB, to determine from which of multiple SIMs a data packetoriginated. The cellular wireless access network element separates themultiplexed traffic from multiple SIMs and appropriately routes thetraffic via distinct parallel tunnels to one or more cellular wirelesscore networks.

In a third mechanism, the wireless device creates, using a first, activeSIM, an additional dedicated bearer for each data network name (DNN)over which to route traffic for a second, suspended SIM. In someembodiments, a cellular wireless network initiates creation of theadditional dedicated bearer in response to a first SIM informing thecellular wireless network that the first SIM will be suspended, e.g.,due to a tune-away of cellular wireless circuitry to another cellularwireless network associated with a second SIM. Data traffic for thefirst SIM can be routed through the dedicated bearer based onsubscription information, e.g., international mobile subscriber identity(IMSI), fifth-generation globally unique temporary identity (5G-GUTI),mobile station international subscriber directory number (MSISDN),subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), or subscription concealedidentifier (SUCI) values, as well as network node identifiers, e.g.,access point name (APN) or data network name (DNN) values. When thefirst SIM is resumed, the dedicated bearer for the first SIM via thesecond SIM can be released.

The solutions described herein provide greater power efficiency in asingle-radio, multiple SIM/eSIM wireless device than a multiple SIM,multiple active (MSMA) wireless device that uses multiple parallelcellular wireless radios. A user of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless devicecan configure preferences for usage of one or more SIMs/eSIMs, e.g.,designating whether a SIM is preferred for data, voice and data, orvoice only. Tunneling service capability can be configured for eachSIM/eSIM of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device. A user canenable/disable tunneling service capability based on whether themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device is camped on a home PLMN (HPLMN), on adomestic (same country code) visited PLMN (VPLMN), or on a foreign(different country code) VPLMN. A user can also select which servicesmay use a tunneled service capability, where representative servicesinclude incoming/outgoing IMS voice connections, incoming/outgoing SMSover IMS, internet data connections, and incoming/outgoing SMS overnon-access stratum (NAS) signaling connections. The multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device can indicate to a wireless network a capability tosupport multiple SIMs and linked PDU sessions for one or more services,and the wireless network can indicate support for tunneled PDU sessionsto one or more other wireless networks for one or more services.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram 100 of components of a multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 including one or more processor(s) 106 and wirelesscircuitry 108 that provides for wireless radio frequency (RF)connections between the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 and a firstcellular wireless network 110A and a second cellular wireless network110B. In some embodiments, the wireless circuitry 108 includes one ormore baseband processor(s), and a set of RF analog front-end circuitry.In some embodiments, the wireless circuitry 108 and/or a portion thereofcan include or be referred to as a wireless transmitter/receiver or atransceiver or a radio. The terms circuit, circuitry, component, andcomponent block may be used interchangeably herein, in some embodiments,to refer to one or more operational units of a wireless device thatprocess and/or operate on digital signals, analog signals, or digitaldata units used for wireless communication. For example, representativecircuits can perform various functions that convert digital data unitsto transmitted radio frequency analog waveforms and/or convert receivedanalog waveforms into digital data units including intermediate analogforms and intermediate digital forms. The wireless circuitry 108 caninclude components of RF analog front-end circuitry, e.g. a set of oneor more antennas, which can be interconnected with additional supportingRF circuitry that can include filters and other analog components thatcan be “configured” for transmission and/or reception of analog signalsvia one or more corresponding antennas to one of the first and secondcellular wireless networks 110A/B.

Notably, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can include hardwarerestrictions that limit the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 toconnect to only one of the first and second cellular wireless networks110A/110B via their respective access network equipment 112A/112B at atime. For example, the wireless circuitry 108 can include a singletransmitter and one or more receivers used for cellular wirelesscommunication, so that only one active bi-directional cellular radiofrequency connection to a cellular access network can be used at a time.When the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 has an active connection viathe access network equipment 112A of the first cellular wireless network110A, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can be precluded fromestablishing another active connection via the access network equipment112B of the second cellular wireless network 110B (or from establishinga second active connection to the first cellular wireless network 110A).In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can beregistered with multiple subscriptions that correspond to differentSIMs/eSIMs at the same time; and the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102can use a combination of an active PDU session for a first SIM and asuspended (stand-by) PDU session for a second SIM, where the active PDUsession and the suspended PDU sessions are linked together. In someembodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can multiplextraffic for multiple SIMs through a common radio frequency accessnetwork connection, where the radio access network (RAN) equipment canseparate (de-multiplex) the traffic based on data packet protocolheaders that indicate originating SIMs. The RAN equipment canappropriately route the traffic to distinct tunnels for each originatingSIM. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 cancreate, using a first, active SIM, an additional dedicated bearer foreach data network name (DNN) over which to route traffic for a second,suspended SIM.

The processor(s) 106 and the wireless circuitry 108 can be configured toperform and/or control performance of one or more functionalities of themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102, in accordance with variousimplementations. The processor(s) 106 and the wireless circuitry 108 canprovide functionality for coordinating hardware/software resources inthe multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 to provide for connections to thefirst and second cellular wireless networks 110A/B. The processor(s) 106may include multiple processors of different types that can provide forboth wireless communication management and/or higher layer functions,e.g., one or more of the processor(s) 106 may be configured to performdata processing, application execution, and/or other device functionsaccording to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102, or portions or components thereof,such as processor(s) 106, can include one or more chipsets, which canrespectively include any number of coupled microchips thereon.

In some embodiments, the processor(s) 106 may be configured in a varietyof different forms. For example, the processor(s) 106 may be associatedwith any number of microprocessors, co-processors, controllers, orvarious other computing or processing implements, including integratedcircuits such as, for example, an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or anycombination thereof. In various scenarios, multiple processors 106 ofthe multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can be coupled to and/orconfigured in operative communication with each other, and thesecomponents may be collectively configured to perform mobility managementfunctions associated with multiple subscriber identities associated withwireless services provided via multiple wireless networks. In someimplementations, the processor(s) 106 can be configured to executeinstructions that may be stored in memory, or that can otherwise beaccessible to the processor(s) 106 in some other device memory. As such,whether configured as, or in conjunction with, hardware or a combinationof hardware and software, the processor(s) 106 may be capable ofperforming operations according to various implementations describedherein, when configured accordingly. In various embodiments, memory inthe multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 may include multiple memorydevices that can be associated with any common volatile or non-volatilememory type. In some scenarios, the memory may be associated with anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can store variouscomputer program instructions, which may be executed by the processor(s)106 during normal program executions. In this regard, the memory can beconfigured to store information, data, applications, instructions, orthe like, for enabling the wireless device to carry out variousfunctions in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.In some implementations, the memory may be in communication with, and/orotherwise coupled to, the processor(s) 106, as well as one or moresystem buses for passing information between and amongst the differentdevice components of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102.

The multi-SIM wireless device 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes aremovable UICC 104 and an embedded UICC (eUICC) 114. The UICC 104 caninclude at least one subscriber identity module (SIM), which can beembodied as a software/firmware program installed on the UICC 104, whilethe eUICC 114 can include at least one electronic SIM (eSIM), which canalso be embodied as a software/firmware program installed on the UICC104. A removable UICC 104 can provide a user of the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 the ability to replace a UICC to change services.Hardware complexity and/or a size of a wireless device can limit theability to include multiple UICC slots, and thus additional arrangementsfor wireless devices are illustrated further herein in FIG. 2 to includemultiple SIMs on a single UICC and/or electronic SIMs (eSIMs) on anembedded UICC or combinations thereof.

The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can register with multiplewireless networks, e.g., the first and second cellular wireless networks110A/B, simultaneously. The wireless circuitry 108 of the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 can be configured to register with and/or establisha connection with the first cellular wireless network 110A via accessnetwork equipment 112A, which interfaces with a core network 114A. Thewireless circuitry 108 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 canalso be configured to register with and/or establish a connection withthe second cellular wireless network 110B via access network equipment112B, which interfaces with a core network 114B. The wireless circuitry108 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can support transmissionand reception to only one of the first and second wireless networks110A/B, via their respective access networks 112A/B at a time. As themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can register with two differentwireless networks simultaneously via two different subscriptions, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can appear as two distinct devices(each associated with a different number, user, and/or subscription). Amulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 that can connect to only one wirelessnetwork at a time but can monitor and/or receive communication frommultiple wireless networks with which it is registered can be referredto as a Multiple SIM, Multiple Standby (MSMS) wireless device. Amulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device that can connect to multiple wirelessnetworks through their respective radio access networks simultaneouslyusing different subscriber identities can be referred to as a “MultipleSIM, Multiple Active” (MSMA) wireless device. While the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 may only connect via one radio access network of onecellular wireless network at a time, some wireless devices can alsoprovide for connections via a cellular wireless network and via anon-cellular wireless network simultaneously (not shown).

It should be appreciated that not all of the components, deviceelements, and hardware illustrated in and described with respect to themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 of FIG. 1 may be essential to thisdisclosure, and thus, some of these items may be omitted, consolidated,or otherwise modified within reason. Additionally, in someimplementations, the subject matter associated with the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 can be configured to include additional orsubstitute components, device elements, or hardware, beyond thosedepicted within the illustrations of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates diagrams of exemplary multi-SIM/eSIM wireless devicesthat support multiple subscriber identities using removable UICCs and/orembedded UICCs (eUICCs) with SIMs and/or eSIMs implemented thereon. Asillustrated in diagram 200, a multi-SIM wireless device 220 includesmultiple UICCs 204, which can be inserted and removed individually ortogether, and communicate with one or more processors 206 that connectto wireless circuitry 208 that provides for wireless communication withone or more wireless networks 210. As the physical size and design ofthe multi-SIM wireless device 220 can limit the number of UICCs 204 thatcan be supported, alternatively, as illustrated in diagram 240, amulti-eSIM wireless device 222 can include an embedded UICC (eUICC) 224connected with the processor(s) 206 and to the wireless network(s) 210via the wireless circuitry 208. The eUICC 224 can be built into themulti-eSIM wireless device 222 and can be not removable from themulti-eSIM wireless device 222, e.g., permanently affixed to a circuitboard in the multi-eSIM wireless device 222. The eUICC 224 can beprogrammed such that one or more electronic SIMs (eSIMs) can beimplemented on the eUICC 224. Each eSIM can be associated with adistinct subscriber identity and/or provide distinct services orsubscriptions for a user of the multi-eSIM wireless device 222. Diagram250 illustrates an exemplary multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 226 thatincludes a removable UICC 204, on which can be installed one or moreSIMs, and an eUICC 224 on which one or more eSIMs can be installed. Themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 226 can represent another form of themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 of FIG. 1. The combination of SIMs onthe UICC 204 and/or eSIMs on the eUICC 224 can provide for connectionsto one or more wireless networks 210 using the wireless circuitry 208under the control of the processor(s) 206 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 226. Diagram 260 illustrates another multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 228 that includes multiple UICCs 204, on which one or more SIMscan be installed, and an eUICC 224, on which one or more eSIMs can beinstalled. The combination of SIMs on the UICCs 204 and/or eSIMs on theeUICC 224 can provide for connections to one or more wireless networks210 using the wireless circuitry 208 under the control of theprocessor(s) 206 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 228.

In general, a multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 that supports multiplesubscriber identities can include (i) at least one UICC 204 thatsupports multiple SIMs, (ii) an eUICC 224 that supports multiple eSIMs,or (iii) a combination of UICC 204 and eUICC 224. Each UICC 204 cansupport one or more SIMs, and each eUICC 224 can support one or moreeSIMs. A multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 that supports multiplesubscriber identities, e.g., 102, 220, 222, 226, 228, can include acombination of SIMs and/or eSIMs to support communication with one ormore wireless networks 210.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate diagrams 300, 350 of an exemplary set ofactions taken by a multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 to establishInternet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) protocol data unit (PDU)session tunneling for multiple SIMs/eSIMs that are associated with acommon, serving public land mobile network (PLMN). The multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 can include a first SIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM1302-1, and a second SIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM2 302-2. At 320, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can register SIM1 302-1 with networkelements of a 5G network, e.g., via a radio access network (RAN) 306 toan access and mobility management function (AMF) 308 and a sessionmanagement function (SMF) 310. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 registers for an IMS service with an IMS 312 networkelement. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102provides information for a second SIM, e.g., SIM2 302-2, whenregistering a first SIM, e.g., SIM1 302-1. Information for the secondSIM can include one or more identifiers for the second SIM, e.g., IMSI,5G-GUTI, MSISDN, SUPI, and/or SUCI values. The multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can also provide mobile network operator (MNO) informationfor the second SIM when registering the first SIM. In some embodiments,the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also indicate device supportfor a multi-SIM, tunneling capability and can obtain information aboutnetwork support for the multi-SIM, tunneling capability duringregistration. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device102 requests multi-SIM, tunneling capability for one or more particularservices during registration, and the network with which themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 registers can indicate services thatare granted multi-SIM, tunneling capability. At 322, the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 can register SIM2 302-2 with network elements of the5G network. In some embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B, SIM1 302-1 and SIM2302-2 can be each associated with the same MNO and therefore theregistration can be with the same network elements of a common corenetwork. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can indicate support fora multi-SIM, tunneling capability and obtain information about networksupport for the multi-SIM, tunneling capability when registering SIM2302-2. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also provideidentifiers for SIM1 302-1 and SIM1 MNO information. At 324, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can establish an IMS PDU session forSIM1 using SIM1, identifying ‘ims’ as the data network name (DNN) forthe service for the IMS PDU session. The SIM 1 IMS PDU session can beassigned a numerical integer identifier, e.g., ‘X’. At 326, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can establish a separate IMS PDUsession for SIM2 using SIM2, identifying ‘ims’ as the DNN for theservice for the IMS PDU session. The SIM2 IMS PDU session can beassigned a numerical integer identifier, e.g., ‘X’. At 328, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can establish a second IMS PDUsession for SIM1, this second IMS PDU session, however, can be atunneled PDU session for SIM1 using SIM2, identifying ‘ims’ as the DNNfor the service and assigned a different numerical integer identifier,e.g., ‘Y’. The tunneled PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2 can also beassigned a unique linked PDU session identifier (ID), e.g., by combininga unique SIM1 identifier with the previous SIM1 IMS PDU session ID(‘X’). The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can provide the uniquelinked PDU session ID when sending to the cellular wireless network arequest to establish a tunneled PDU session, and the cellular wirelessnetwork can include the unique linked PDU session ID when providing aresponse to accept establishment of the tunneled PDU session. In someembodiments, absence of the linked PDU session ID in the response fromthe cellular wireless network can indicate that the cellular wirelessnetwork is unable to link together the active PDU session and thestandby PDU session, and thus the multi-SIM, tunneling capability usingthe linked PDU session feature may be not supported by the cellularwireless network. At 330, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 canrequest that the SIM1 IMS tunneled PDU session be suspended. As a resultof the actions at 324, 326, 328, and 330, both SIM1 and SIM2 have activeIMS PDU sessions using their respective SIMs, and SIM1 additionally hasa suspended (standby) IMS tunneled PDU session via SIM2. While not shownin FIG. 3A, a parallel IMS tunneled PDU session for SIM2 using SIM1 canalso be established and suspended. Thus, a SIM of a multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 can have multiple IMS PDU sessions established usingdifferent SIMs/eSIMs of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102, whereonly one of the multiple PDU sessions will be active at a time. At 332,the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 is registered using both SIMs andis able to originate or receive voice or video connections with eitherSIM. At 352, the IMS network element 312 originates a voice or videoconnection for SIM2 by sending a page for a VoLTE or VoNR call to SIM2302-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102. At 354, SIM2 302-2sends a message to SIM1 302-1 indicating a request to use radiofrequency (RF) resources for the incoming VoLTE or VoNR call. As themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can only support active connectionsfor one SIM at a time, when the mobile terminated VoLTE or VoNR call forSIM2 is established, SIM1 cannot use the IMS PDU session via SIM1 andinstead must use the IMS tunneled PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2. At 356,the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device sends a request to suspend the SIM1PDU session identified by Session ID ‘X’. The request can also include alinked PDU session ID that is based on a combination of a SIM2identifier and the IMS tunneled PDU session ID for SIM1 via SIM2, ‘Y’.The request at 356 suspends the SIM1 non-tunneled IMS PDU session andindicates a linked PDU session ID for the tunneled IMS PDU session forSIM1 via SIM2. The request at 356 informs the network that SIM1 IMScommunication should be routed on the tunneled IMS PDU session ID viaSIM2. At 358, SIM1 302-1 sends a message to SIM2 302-2 to grant use ofRF resources by SIM2 302-2 to establish the mobile-terminated VoLTE orVoNR call for SIM2. At 360, the SIM2 VoLTE or VoNR call is active. At362, SIM2 302-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 sends arequest to the core network to activate the previously established andsuspended IMS tunneled PDU session for SIM1. The IMS tunneled PDUsession for SIM1 (via SIM2) is identified by the SIM2 PDU session IDvalue ‘Y’ and also as a linked PDU session ID having a value based on acombination of the SIM1 identifier and the SIM1 IMS PDU session ID value‘X’. In some embodiments, the SIM1 identifier is a 5G-GUTI, a SUPI, or aSUCI for SIM1, and the SIM2 identifier is a 5G-GUTI, SUPI, or SUCI forSIM2. At 364, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can receive mobileterminated voice or video connections for SIM1, via the IMS tunneled PDUsession established via SIM2, while the VoLTE or VoNR call for SIM2 isactive.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate diagrams 400, 450 of an exemplary set ofactions taken by a multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 to establish IMSPDU session tunneling for multiple SIMs/eSIMs that are associated withdifferent serving PLMNs. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 caninclude a first SIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM1 302-1, and a secondSIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM2 302-2. At 420, the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can register SIM1 402-1 with network elements of a first 5Gnetwork, NW1, e.g., via RANI 406-1 to AMF1 408-1 and SMF1 410-1. In someembodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 also registers foran IMS service with an IMS network element, e.g., IMS 312. In someembodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 provides informationfor a second SIM, e.g., SIM2 402-2, when registering a first SIM, e.g.,SIM1 402-1. Information for the second SIM can include one or moreidentifiers for the second SIM, e.g., IMSI, 5G-GUTI, MSISDN, SUPI,and/or SUCI values. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can alsoprovide information about a second network, NW2, for the MNO associatedwith SIM2 402-2, when registering SIM1 402-1. In some embodiments, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also indicate device support fora multi-SIM, tunneling feature and can obtain information from the firstnetwork, NW1, indicating capability of the first network, NW1, tosupport the multi-SIM, tunneling feature with the second network, NW2,when registering SIM1 402-1. At 422, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device102 can register SIM2 402-2 with network elements of the second 5Gnetwork, NW2. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also providemulti-SIM, tunneling feature capability information to the secondnetwork, NW2, and obtain information about the second network'scapability to support for the multi-SIM, tunneling feature with thefirst network NW1 when registering SIM2 402-2. The multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 can also provide identifiers for SIM1 402-1 and SIM1MNO information. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device102 requests multi-SIM, tunneling capability for one or more particularservices during registration with the first network, NW1, and/or thesecond network, NW2, and the first and/or second networks NW1, NW2, withwhich the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 registers, can indicateservices that are granted multi-SIM, tunneling capability. At 424, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can establish with the first network,NW1, an IMS PDU session for SIM1 using SIM1, identifying ‘ims’ as theDNN for the service for the IMS PDU session. The SIM1 IMS PDU sessioncan be assigned a numerical integer identifier, e.g., ‘X’. At 426, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can establish with the secondnetwork, NW2, a separate IMS PDU session for SIM2 using SIM2,identifying ‘ims’ as the DNN for the service for the IMS PDU session.The SIM2 IMS PDU session can be assigned a numerical integer identifier,e.g., ‘X’. At 428, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can establishwith the second network, NW2, a second IMS PDU session for SIM1, wherethe second IMS PDU session is a tunneled PDU session for SIM1 usingSIM2, identifying ‘ims’ as the DNN for the service and assigned adifferent numerical integer identifier, e.g., ‘Y’. The tunneled PDUsession for SIM1 via SIM2 can also be assigned a unique linked PDUsession identifier (ID), e.g., by combining a unique SIM1 identifierwith the previous SIM1 IMS PDU session ID (‘X’). The multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 can provide the unique linked PDU session ID whensending to the second network, NW2, a request to establish a tunneledPDU session, and the second network, NW2, can include the unique linkedPDU session ID when providing a response to accept establishment of thetunneled PDU session. In some embodiments, absence of the linked PDUsession ID in the response from the second network, NW2, can indicatethat the second network, NW2, is unable to link together the active PDUsession and the standby PDU session, and thus the multi-SIM, tunnelingcapability using the linked PDU session feature may be not supported bythe second network, NW2. At 430, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102can request that the SIM1 IMS tunneled PDU session be suspended. As aresult of the actions at 424, 426, 428, and 430, both SIM1 and SIM2 haveactive IMS PDU sessions with their respective networks using theirrespective SIMs, and SIM1 additionally has a suspended (standby) IMStunneled PDU session with the second network, NW2, via SIM2. While notshown in FIG. 4A, a parallel IMS tunneled PDU session with the firstnetwork, NW1, for SIM2 using SIM1 can also be established and suspended.Thus, a SIM of a multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can have multipleIMS PDU sessions established with different wireless networks usingdifferent SIMs/eSIMs of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102, whereonly one of the multiple PDU sessions will be active at a time. At 432,the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 is registered with both networks,NW1 and NW2, using respective SIMs and is able to originate or receivevoice or video connections with either SIM. At 452, the IMS networkelement 312 originates a voice or video connection for SIM2 by sending apage for a VoLTE or VoNR call to SIM2 402-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102. At 454, SIM2 402-2 sends a message to SIM1 402-1indicating a request to use radio frequency (RF) resources for theincoming VoLTE or VoNR call. As the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102can only support active connections for one SIM at a time, when themobile terminated VoLTE or VoNR call for SIM2 is established, SIM1cannot use the IMS PDU session via SIM1 and instead must use the IMStunneled PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2. At 456, the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device sends a request to suspend the SIM1 PDU sessionidentified by Session ID ‘X’. The request can also include a linked PDUsession ID that is based on a combination of a SIM2 identifier and theIMS tunneled PDU session ID for SIM1 via SIM2, ‘Y’. The request at 456suspends the SIM1 non-tunneled IMS PDU session and indicates a linkedPDU session ID for the tunneled IMS PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2. Therequest at 456 informs the first network, NW1, that SIM1 IMScommunication should be routed through the second network, NW2, on thetunneled IMS PDU session ID via SIM2. At 458, SIM1 402-1 sends a messageto SIM2 402-2 to grant use of RF resources by SIM2 402-2 to establishthe mobile-terminated VoLTE or VoNR call via the second network, NW2,for SIM2. At 460, the SIM2 VoLTE or VoNR call is active via NW2. At 462,SIM2 402-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 sends a request tothe core network of the second network, NW2, to activate the previouslyestablished and suspended IMS tunneled PDU session for SIM1. The IMStunneled PDU session for SIM1 (via SIM2) is identified by the SIM2 PDUsession ID value ‘Y’ and also as a linked PDU session ID having a valuebased on a combination of the SIM1 identifier and the SIM1 IMS PDUsession ID value ‘X’. In some embodiments, the SIM1 identifier is a5G-GUTI, SUPI, or SUCI for SIM1, and the SIM2 identifier is a 5G-GUTI,SUPI, or SUCI for SIM2. At 464, the IMS network element, IMS 312, sendsan indication to the core network elements of the first network, NW1, ofan incoming (mobile-terminated) voice or video connection request forSIM1 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102. At 466, the core networkelements of the first network, NW1, forwards the voice or videoconnection request for SIM1 to the core network elements of the secondnetwork, NW2. At 468, the incoming (mobile-terminated) voice or videoconnection request for SIM1 is provided to the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 using the SIM1 IMS tunneled PDU session established by SIM2over the second network, NW2.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate diagrams 500, 550 of an exemplary set ofactions taken by a multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 to establishinternet data PDU session tunneling for multiple SIMs/eSIMs associatedwith a common, serving PLMN. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 caninclude a first SIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM1 302-1, and a secondSIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM2 302-2. At 520, the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can register SIM1 302-1 with network elements of a 5Gnetwork, e.g., via a radio access network (RAN) 306 to an access andmobility management function (AMF) 308 and a session management function(SMF) 310. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102provides information for SIM2 302-2 when registering SIM1 302-1.Information for the SIM2 302-2 can include one or more identifiers forthe SIM2 302-2, e.g., IMSI, 5G-GUTI, MSISDN, SUPI, and/or SUCI values.The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also provide MNO informationfor SIM2 302-2 when registering the SIM1 302-1. In some embodiments, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also indicate device support fora multi-SIM, tunneling feature and can obtain information about networksupport for the multi-SIM, tunneling feature during registration. Insome embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 requestsmulti-SIM, tunneling capability for one or more particular servicesduring registration, and the network with which the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 registers can indicate services that are grantedmulti-SIM, tunneling capability. At 524, the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can establish an internet data PDU session for SIM1 usingSIM1, identifying ‘Internet’ as the DNN for the service for the internetdata PDU session. The SIM1 internet data PDU session can be assigned anumerical integer identifier, e.g., ‘A’. At 526, the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 can register SIM2 302-2 with network elements of the5G network. In some embodiments of FIGS. 5A and 5B, SIM1 302-1 and SIM2302-2 can be each associated with the same MNO and therefore theregistration can be with the same network elements of a common corenetwork. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also indicatesupport for a multi-SIM, tunneling feature and obtain information aboutnetwork support for the multi-SIM, tunneling feature when registeringSIM2 302-2. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also provideidentifiers for SIM1 302-1 and SIM1 MNO information. At 528, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can establish a second internet dataPDU session for SIM1, this second internet data PDU session, however,can be a tunneled PDU session for SIM1 using SIM2, identifying‘Internet’ as the DNN for the service and assigned a different numericalinteger identifier, e.g., ‘B’. The tunneled PDU session for SIMI viaSIM2 can also be assigned a unique linked PDU session identifier (ID),e.g., by combining a unique SIM1 identifier with the previous SIM1internet data PDU session ID (‘A’). The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device102 can provide the unique linked PDU session ID when sending to thecellular wireless network a request to establish a tunneled PDU session,and the cellular wireless network can include the unique linked PDUsession ID when providing a response to accept establishment of thetunneled PDU session. In some embodiments, absence of the linked PDUsession ID in the response from the cellular wireless network canindicate that the cellular wireless network is unable to link togetherthe active PDU session and the standby PDU session, and thus themulti-SIM, tunneling capability using the linked PDU session feature maybe not supported by the cellular wireless network. At 530, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can request that the SIM1 internetdata tunneled PDU session be suspended. As a result of the actions at524, 526, 528, and 530, SIM1 has an active internet data PDU sessionusing SIM and a suspended (standby) internet data tunneled PDU sessionvia SIM2. Thus, a SIM of a multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can havemultiple internet data PDU sessions established using differentSIMs/eSIMs of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102, where only one ofthe multiple PDU sessions will be active at a time. At 532, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 is registered using both SIMs and isable to originate or receive voice or video connections with either SIM.At 552, the IMS network element 312 originates a voice or videoconnection for SIM2 by sending a page for a VoLTE or VoNR call to SIM2302-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102. At 554, SIM2 302-2sends a message to SIM1 302-1 indicating a request to use radiofrequency (RF) resources for the incoming VoLTE or VoNR call. As themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can only support active connectionsfor one SIM at a time, when the mobile terminated VoLTE or VoNR call forSIM2 is established, SIM1 cannot use the internet data PDU session viaSIM1 and instead must use the internet data tunneled PDU session forSIM1 via SIM2. At 556, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 sends arequest to suspend the SIM1 PDU session identified by Session ID ‘A’.The request can also include a linked PDU session ID that is based on acombination of a SIM2 identifier and the internet data tunneled PDUsession ID for SIM1 via SIM2, ‘B’. The request at 556 suspends the SIM1non-tunneled internet data PDU session and indicates a linked PDUsession ID for the tunneled internet data PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2.The request at 556 informs the network that SIM1 internet datacommunication should be routed on the tunneled internet data PDU sessionID via SIM2. At 558, SIM1 302-1 sends a message to SIM2 302-2 to grantuse of RF resources by SIM2 302-2 to establish the mobile-terminatedVoLTE or VoNR call for SIM2. At 560, the SIM2 VoLTE or VoNR call isactive. At 562, SIM2 302-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102sends a request to the core network to activate the previouslyestablished and suspended internet data tunneled PDU session for SIM1.The internet data tunneled PDU session for SIM1 (via SIM2) is identifiedby the SIM2 PDU session ID value ‘B’ and also as a linked PDU session IDhaving a value based on a combination of the SIM1 identifier and theSIM1 internet data PDU session ID value ‘A’. In some embodiments, theSIM1 identifier is a 5G-GUTI, SUPI, or SUCI for SIM1, and the SIM2identifier is a 5G-GUTI, SUPI, or SUCI for SIM2. At 564, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can exchange application data with anapplication server 504 for an application for SIM1, via the internetdata tunneled PDU session established via SIM2, while the VoLTE or VoNRcall for SIM2 is active. Data traffic for the application data exchangeover the internet data tunneled PDU session can be counted and billed,e.g., by a user plane function (UPF) 502 core network element, againstSIM1 (for which the internet data service applies) rather than with SIM2(for which resources are used to convey the data traffic via tunneling).

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram 600 of an exemplary set of actions taken bya multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 to establish visual voice mail(VVM) PDU session tunneling for multiple SIMs/eSIMs that are associatedwith a common, serving PLMN. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 caninclude a first SIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM1 302-1, and a secondSIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM2 302-2. At 620, the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can register SIM1 302-1 with network elements of a 5Gnetwork, e.g., via a radio access network (RAN) 306 to an access andmobility management function (AMF) 308 and a session management function(SMF) 310. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102provides information for a second SIM, e.g., SIM2 302-2, whenregistering a first SIM, e.g., SIM1 302-1. Information for the secondSIM can include one or more identifiers for the second SIM, e.g., IMSI,5G-GUTI, MSISDN, SUPI, and/or SUCI values. The multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can also provide mobile network operator (MNO) informationfor the second SIM when registering the first SIM. In some embodiments,the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can indicate device support for amulti-SIM, tunneling feature and can obtain information about networksupport for the multi-SIM, tunneling feature during registration. Insome embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 requestsmulti-SIM, tunneling capability for one or more particular servicesduring registration, and the network with which the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 registers can indicate services that are grantedmulti-SIM, tunneling capability. In some embodiments, the network canindicate support to implement multi-SIM, tunneling with one or morededicated bearers to carry tunneled traffic for a SIM/eSIM of themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102. At 622, the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can register SIM2 302-2 with network elements of the 5Gnetwork. In some embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, SIM1 302-1 and SIM2302-2 can be each associated with the same MNO and therefore theregistration can be with the same network elements of a common corenetwork. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can indicate support fora multi-SIM, tunneling feature and obtain information about networksupport for the multi-SIM, tunneling feature when registering SIM2302-2. As above, in some embodiments, the network can indicate supportto implement multi-SIM, tunneling with one or more dedicated bearers tocarry tunneled traffic for a SIM/eSIM of the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also provideidentifiers for SIM1 302-1 and SIM1 MNO information. At 624, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can establish a VVM PDU session forSIM1 using SIM1, identifying ‘vvm’ as the DNN for the service for theVVM PDU session. The SIM1 VVM PDU session can be assigned a numericalinteger identifier, e.g., ‘C’. At 626, the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can establish a separate VVM PDU session for SIM2 using SIM2,identifying ‘vvm’ as the DNN for the service for the VVM PDU session.The SIM2 VVM PDU session can be assigned a numerical integer identifier,e.g., ‘C’. At 630, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 is registeredusing both SIMs and is able to originate or receive voice or videoconnections with either SIM. At 632, the IMS network element 312originates a voice or video connection for SIM2 by sending a page for aVoLTE or VoNR call to SIM2 302-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device102. At 634, SIM2 302-2 sends a message to SIM1 302-1 indicating arequest to use radio frequency (RF) resources for the incoming VoLTE orVoNR call. As the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can only supportactive connections for one SIM at a time, when the mobile terminatedVoLTE or VoNR call for SIM2 is established, SIM1 cannot use the VVM PDUsession via SIM1. At 636, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 sends arequest to suspend the SIM1 VVM PDU session identified by Session ID‘C’. At 638, SIM1 302-1 sends a message to SIM2 302-2 to grant use of RFresources by SIM2 302-2 to establish the mobile-terminated VoLTE or VoNRcall for SIM2. At 640, the SIM2 VoLTE or VoNR call is active. At 642,the cellular wireless network (associated with both SIM1 302-1 and SIM2302-2) can establish a dedicated bearer associated with the ‘vmm’ DNN tocarry VVM traffic for SIM1 via SIM2 while SIM2 is in the active VoLTE orVoNR call. The cellular wireless network can establish the dedicatedbearer based on knowledge that the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102supports a multi-SIM, tunneling feature, that SIM2 will be used for anactive VoLTE or VoNR call, and that the SIM1 VVM PDU session issuspended. Alternatively, after 640, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device102 can send a request to the cellular wireless network to establish adedicated bearer for SIM1 via SIM2, and the cellular wireless networkcan accept the request, and establishment of the VVM PDU sessiontunneling can continue at 642 as described previously. Quality ofservice (QoS) rules to apply for traffic routing on the dedicated bearercan be based on a SIM1's QoS rules for a VVM PDU session andadditionally on a SIM1 identifier value (such as a 5G-GUTI, SUPI, orSUCI value). QoS rules applicable for SIM1 traffic can be re-used, andadditionally it can be enforced that only traffic originating from SIM 1can be exchanged via the dedicated bearer, even though the bearer isestablished via SIM2. At 644, after establishment of the dedicatedbearer, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can receive incoming VVMinformation and also request VVM information via the dedicated bearer.

FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram 700 of an exemplary set of network elementsof a 5G network to implement PDU session tunneling for a multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102. Network elements that may be modified to support amulti-SIM, tunneling feature and data tunneling as described herein caninclude those indicated by dashed outlines. Representative impactednetwork elements include access network elements, e.g., next generationradio access network (NG-RAN) 306, and for non-cellular wirelessnetworks, access point 722. In addition, core network elements that mayrequire modification to support the multi-SIM, tunneling feature anddata tunneling described herein include access and mobility managementfunction (AMF) 308, session management function (SMF) 702, user planefunction (UPF) 706-1, policy control function (PCF) 712, unified datamanagement (UDM) 710, authentication server function (716), and N3(user-plane interface) internetworking function (N3-IWF) 720.

FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram 800 of an exemplary set of network elementsto implement tunneling with multiplexed data traffic for multipleSIMs/eSIMs of a multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102. During registrationof one or more SIMs/eSIMs, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 canindicate multi-SIM/eSIM capability to network elements and provideinformation about the SIMs/eSIMs of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device102. Representative information can include SIM/eSIM identifiers. Whenthe radio access network of the cellular wireless network, with whichthe multi-SIM/eSIM registers, supports data tunneling for a first SIM,e.g., SIM1, using a second SIM, e.g., SIM2, a data connection can beestablished using SIM2 when SIM2 will be also used in parallel foranother active connection (e.g., a voice or video connection via SIM2),where an active connection via SIM1 can be not permitted in parallelwith an active SIM2 connection. The cellular wireless network can assigna new data radio bearer (DRB) to SIM2 to be used for data tunneling toSIM1. Traffic on the connection between the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 and the access network, e.g., to NG-RAN 306, can bemultiplexed and include a data radio bearer for SIM2 traffic and aseparate data radio bearer for SIM1 traffic. The access network canseparate the multiplexed data traffic based on identifiers for therespective SIMs included in protocol headers of the data packets orbased on separate logical channel identifiers (LCIDs) assigned to eachbearer. The access network can have separate N3 tunnels to the UPF 706for each of the SIMs, e.g., a first N3 tunnel for SIM1 and a second N3tunnel for SIM2, and data counting and billing for the data traffic foreach SIM can be applied to separate subscriptions for the respectiveSIMs, even though the data traffic is multiplexed over a common radioaccess connection. For an incoming mobile-terminated voice or videoconnection request for SIM1, the cellular wireless network can attemptto contact the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 by sending a page toSIM1 directly (through its default radio access network), and when noresponse from the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 occurs (e.g.,because the radio of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 is in usefor a voice or video connection for SIM2), the radio access network canroute Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling for the voice or videoconnection request for SIM1 via the data tunneling connectionestablished for SIM1 traffic over SIM2. Traffic for each SIM can beappropriately counted and billed to the respective SIM even whenmultiplexed.

In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device, when requestingthat radio bearer traffic (which can include signaling or data traffic)to be tunneled, can use non-access stratum (NAS) radio bearer PDUshaving the same format as for access stratum (AS) PDUs. In someembodiments, the cellular wireless network can allocate a data radiobearer for each additional SIM for which tunneled traffic may betransported. Should a radio link failure (RLF) occur, SIMs with tunneledtraffic that are affected may be notified to trigger applicable recoveryprocedures. In some embodiments, transport of NAS signaling, IMStraffic, internet data, and/or other IP-based traffic, a SIM with anactive connection can provide tunneled bearers to other SIMs over whichtheir respective signaling and/or data traffic can be encapsulated andcarried.

FIG. 9A illustrates a diagram 900 of an exemplary PDCP PDU header thatincludes tunneling information. In some embodiments, a bit, e.g., thesecond bit labeled ‘TH’ in Octet 1, can be reserved to indicate thepresence of tunneling header information in the PDCP PDU. The tunnelingheader information, in some embodiments, can include a SIM identifierfor the SIM to which the data traffic applies, e.g., an 80-bit long5G-GUTI contained in octets 4 through 13 of the PDCP PDU, or analternative unique identifier, e.g., a 48-bit long 5G serving temporarymobile subscriber identity (S-TMSI), which is a shortened form of the5G-GUTI, which can be contained in octets 4 through 9 of the PDCP PDU asillustrated by diagram 950 in FIG. 9B. Radio access network elements,e.g., a gNodeB or equivalent, can maintain a table that maps between SIMidentifier values, e.g., 5G-GUTI values, and respective N3 GTP-Utunnels. The gNodeB can separate multiplexed uplink data packetsreceived from a multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 to route onto theirrespective N3 GTP-U tunnels. The gNode B can also multiplex togetherdata traffic received on multiple N3 GTP-U tunnels to combine them intoa single radio resource control (RRC) connection to the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102.

In some embodiments, a separate logical channel identifier (LCID) can beallocated for a tunneling data radio bearer that carries tunneledtraffic, and access network elements, e.g., a gNodeB, can route trafficfor different SIMs to applicable N3 GTP-U tunnels based on the LCIDmapping.

In some embodiments NAS level security, and DRB integrity protectionwhen enabled, can be performed by the respective SIM that originates thetraffic, while AS level security can be provided by the SIM that carriesthe tunneled traffic. In some embodiments, NAS signaling radio bearer(SRB) messages for tunneled SIMs can be accepted for transport by a SIMonly after a tunneling data radio bearer (DRB) has been established forthe tunneled SIM by the transporting SIM.

FIG. 10 illustrates a diagram 1000 of a network architecture for datatunneling between distinct session management functions (SMFs) 702. Afirst SIM (SIM1) 302-1 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 isassociated with a first network (H1), while a second SIM (SIM2) 302-2 ofthe multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 is associated with a secondnetwork (H2). In some embodiments, H1 and H2 belong to the same PLMN,while in other embodiments, H1 and H2 belong to distinct PLMNs. Themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 is connected via a Uu interface toRANs 306-1, 306-2 of the respective networks H1, H2. The RANs 306-1,306-2 are connected via N2 interfaces to AMFs 308-1, 308-2 of therespective networks H1, H2. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 isalso connected via N1 interfaces to the AMFs 308-1, 308-2. The AMFs308-1, 308-2 are further connected to PCFs 712-1, 712-2, via N15interfaces and to SMFs 702-1, 702-2 via N11 interfaces. The SMFs 702-1,702-2 are connected to respective UPFs 706-1, 706-2 via N4 interfaces,where the UPFs 706-1, 706-2 provide N6 interface connections to datanetworks (DNs) 708-1, 708-2. The SMFs 702-1, 702-2 are interconnected toeach other via an N16 interface and also connected to security edgeprotection proxies (SEPPs) 1002-1, 1002-2, which are interconnected viaan N32 interface. Data communicated via an inter-SMF data tunneled PDUsession between different SMFs follows the dashed paths indicated. Forinter-PLMN scenarios, where the H1 and H2 networks are in differentPLMNs, each PLMN can implement proxy functionality to establish a secureinterconnection with each other and hide their respective networktopologies on the inter-PLMN interfaces.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate diagrams 1100, 1150 of an exemplary set ofactions taken by a multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 to establish aUE-initiated (mobile originated (MO)) internet data PDU sessiontunneling for multiple SIMs/eSIMs that are associated with differentserving SMFs 410-1, 410-2, which can be located in the same PLMN(intra-PLMN, inter-SMF data tunneling) or in different PLMNs(inter-PLMN, inter-SMF data tunneling). The multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can include a first SIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM1 302-1, and asecond SIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM2 302-2. At 1120, the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 can register SIM1 402-1 with network elements of afirst 5G network, NW1, e.g., via RANI 406-1 to AMF1 408-1 and SMF1410-1. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102provides information for a second SIM, e.g., SIM2 402-2, whenregistering a first SIM, e.g., SIM1 402-1. Information for the secondSIM can include one or more identifiers for the second SIM, e.g., IMSI,5G-GUTI, MSISDN, SUPI, and/or SUCI values. The multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can also provide information about a second network, NW2, forthe MNO associated with SIM2 402-2, when registering SIM1 402-1. In someembodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also indicatedevice support for a multi-SIM, tunneling feature and can obtaininformation from the first network, NW1, indicating capability of thefirst network, NW1, to support the multi-SIM, tunneling feature with thesecond network, NW2, when registering SIM1 402-1. At 1124, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can establish with the first network,NW1, an internet data PDU session for SIM1 using SIM1, identifying‘Internet’ as the DNN for the service for the internet data PDU session.The SIM1 internet data PDU session can be assigned a numerical integeridentifier, e.g., ‘A’. At 1126, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102can register SIM2 402-2 with network elements of the second 5G network,NW2. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also provide multi-SIM,tunneling feature capability information to the second network, NW2, andobtain information about the second network's capability to support forthe multi-SIM, tunneling feature with the first network NW1 whenregistering SIM2 402-2. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can alsoprovide identifiers for SIM1 402-1 and SIM1 MNO information. In someembodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 requests multi-SIM,tunneling capability for one or more particular services duringregistration with the first network, NW1, and/or the second network,NW2, and the first and/or second networks NW1, NW2, with which themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 registers, can indicate services thatare granted multi-SIM, tunneling capability. At 1127, security edgeprotection proxies (SEPPs) of the respective first and second networks,NW1 and NW2, establish an N16 interface between SMF1 410-1 of NW1 andSMF2 410-2 of NW2 using SEPP procedures. The SEPPs can set securitypolicies for inter-SMF (intra-PLMN or inter-PLMN) control planeinterfaces via an N32 interface. At 1128, the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can establish with the second network, NW2, a second internetdata PDU session for SIM1, where the second internet data PDU session isa tunneled PDU session for SIM1 using SIM2, identifying ‘Internet’ asthe DNN for the service and assigned a different numerical integeridentifier, e.g., ‘B’. The tunneled PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2 canalso be assigned a unique linked PDU session identifier (ID), e.g., bycombining a unique SIM1 identifier with the previous SIM1 internet dataPDU session ID (‘A’). The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can providethe unique linked PDU session ID when sending to the second network,NW2, a request to establish a tunneled PDU session, and the secondnetwork, NW2, can include the unique linked PDU session ID whenproviding a response to accept establishment of the tunneled PDUsession. In some embodiments, absence of the linked PDU session ID inthe response from the second network, NW2, can indicate that the secondnetwork, NW2, is unable to link together the active PDU session and thestandby (tunneled) PDU session, and thus the multi-SIM, tunnelingcapability using the linked PDU session feature may be not supported bythe second network, NW2. At 1130, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102can request that the SIM1 internet data tunneled PDU session besuspended. As a result of the actions at 1124, 1126, 1127, and 1128,SIM1 has an active internet data PDU session with the first network,NW1, using SIM1 and a suspended (standby) internet data tunneled PDUsession with the second network, NW2, via SIM2. Thus, a SIM of amulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can have multiple internet data PDUsessions established with different wireless networks using differentSIMs/eSIMs of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102, where only one ofthe multiple PDU sessions will be active at a time. At 1132, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 is registered with both networks, NW1and NW2, using respective SIMs and is able to originate or receive voiceor video connections with either SIM. At 1152, the IMS network element312 originates a voice or video connection for SIM2 by sending a pagefor a VoLTE or VoNR call to SIM2 402-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102. At 1154, SIM2 402-2 sends a message to SIM1 402-1 indicatinga request to use radio frequency (RF) resources for the incoming VoLTEor VoNR call. As the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can only supportactive connections for one SIM at a time, when the mobile terminatedVoLTE or VoNR call for SIM2 is established, SIM1 cannot use the internetdata PDU session via SIM1 and instead must use the internet datatunneled PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2. At 1156, the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device sends a request to suspend the SIM1 PDU sessionidentified by Session ID ‘A’. The request can also include a linked PDUsession ID that is based on a combination of a SIM2 identifier and theinternet data tunneled PDU session ID for SIM1 via SIM2. ‘B’. Therequest at 1156 suspends the SIM1 non-tunneled internet data PDU sessionand indicates a linked PDU session ID for the tunneled internet data PDUsession for SIM1 via SIM2. The request at 1156 informs the firstnetwork, NW1, that SIM1 data communication should be routed through thesecond network, NW2, on the tunneled internet data PDU session via SIM2.At 1158, SIM1 402-1 sends a message to SIM2 402-2 to grant use of RFresources by SIM2 402-2 to establish the mobile-terminated VoLTE or VoNRcall via the second network, NW2, for SIM2. At 1160, the SIM2 VoLTE orVoNR call is active via NW2. At 1162, SIM2 402-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 sends a request to the core network of the secondnetwork, NW2, to activate the previously established and suspendedinternet data tunneled PDU session for SIM1. The internet data tunneledPDU session for SIM1 (via SIM2) is identified by the SIM2 PDU session IDvalue ‘B’ and also as a linked PDU session ID having a value based on acombination of the SIM1 identifier and the SIM1 internet data PDUsession ID value ‘A’. In some embodiments, the SIM1 identifier is a5G-GUTI, SUPI, or SUCI for SIM1, and the SIM2 identifier is a 5G-GUTI,SUPI, or SUCI for SIM2. At 1164, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102can exchange application data with an application server 504 for anapplication for SIM1, via the internet data tunneled PDU sessionestablished via SIM2, while the VoLTE or VoNR call for SIM2 is active.Data traffic for the application data exchange over the internet datatunneled PDU session can be counted, e.g., by a user plane function(UPF) 706-2 core network element (not shown), and an accumulated datausage report for the internet data tunneled PDU session can be forwardedto appropriate network elements of NW1 to charge/bill against SIM 1 (forwhich the internet data service applies) rather than with SIM2 (forwhich resources are used to convey the data traffic via tunneling). At1166, SMF2 410-2 provides to SMF1 410-1 via an N16 interface anaccumulated data usage report regarding data bytes consumed (and/or timeaccumulated) by the tunneled internet data PDU session. The accumulateddata usage report can be communicated between SMFs using a modified SEPPprotocol message. At 1168, SMF1 410-1 forwards to the PCF 712-1 of NW1the accumulated data usage report (or information extracted therefromregarding data bytes consumed and/or time accumulated) forcounting/billing purposes. The PCF 712-1 of NW1 can account for theaccumulated data usage via the tunneled internet data PDU session toSIM1.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate diagrams 1200, 1250 of an exemplary set ofactions taken by a multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 to establish aNW-initiated (mobile terminated (MT)) internet data PDU sessiontunneling for multiple SIMs/eSIMs that are associated with differentserving SMFs 410-1, 410-2, which can be located in the same PLMN(intra-PLMN, inter-SMF data tunneling) or in different PLMNs(inter-PLMN, inter-SMF data tunneling). The multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can include a first SIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM1 302-1, and asecond SIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM2 302-2. At 1220, the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 can register SIM1 402-1 with network elements of afirst 5G network, NW1, e.g., via RANI 406-1 to AMF1 408-1 and SMF1410-1. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102provides information for a second SIM, e.g., SIM2 402-2, whenregistering a first SIM, e.g., SIM1 402-1. Information for the secondSIM can include one or more identifiers for the second SIM, e.g., IMSI,5G-GUTI, MSISDN, SUPI, and/or SUCI values. The multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can also provide information about a second network, NW2, forthe MNO associated with SIM2 402-2, when registering SIM1 402-1. In someembodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also indicatedevice support for a multi-SIM, tunneling feature and can obtaininformation from the first network, NW1, indicating capability of thefirst network, NW1, to support the multi-SIM, tunneling feature with thesecond network, NW2, when registering SIM1 402-1. At 1224, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can establish with the first network,NW1, an internet data PDU session for SIM1 using SIM1, identifying‘Internet’ as the DNN for the service for the internet data PDU session.The SIM1 internet data PDU session can be assigned a numerical integeridentifier, e.g., ‘A’. At 1226, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102can register SIM2 402-2 with network elements of the second 5G network,NW2. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also provide multi-SIM,tunneling feature capability information to the second network, NW2, andobtain information about the second network's capability to support forthe multi-SIM, tunneling feature with the first network NW1 whenregistering SIM2 402-2. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can alsoprovide identifiers for SIM1 402-1 and SIM1 MNO information. In someembodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 requests multi-SIM,tunneling capability for one or more particular services duringregistration with the first network, NW1, and/or the second network,NW2, and the first and/or second networks NW1, NW2, with which themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 registers, can indicate services thatare granted multi-SIM, tunneling capability. At 1227, security edgeprotection proxies (SEPPs) of the respective first and second networks,NW1 and NW2, establish an N16 interface between SMF1 410-1 of NW1 andSMF2 410-2 of NW2 using SEPP procedures. The SEPPs can set securitypolicies for inter-SMF (intra-PLMN or inter-PLMN) control planeinterfaces via an N32 interface. At 1228, the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can establish with the second network, NW2, a second internetdata PDU session for SIM1, where the second internet data PDU session isa tunneled PDU session for SIM1 using SIM2, identifying ‘Internet’ asthe DNN for the service and assigned a different numerical integeridentifier, e.g., ‘B’. The tunneled PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2 canalso be assigned a unique linked PDU session identifier (ID), e.g., bycombining a unique SIM1 identifier with the previous SIM1 internet dataPDU session ID (‘A’). The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can providethe unique linked PDU session ID when sending to the second network,NW2, a request to establish a tunneled PDU session, and the secondnetwork, NW2, can include the unique linked PDU session ID whenproviding a response to accept establishment of the tunneled PDUsession. In some embodiments, absence of the linked PDU session ID inthe response from the second network, NW2, can indicate that the secondnetwork, NW2, is unable to link together the active PDU session and thestandby (tunneled) PDU session, and thus the multi-SIM, tunnelingcapability using the linked PDU session feature may be not supported bythe second network, NW2. At 1230, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102can request that the SIM1 internet data tunneled PDU session besuspended. As a result of the actions at 1224, 1226, 1227, and 1228,SIM1 has an active internet data PDU session with the first network,NW1, using SIM1 and a suspended (standby) internet data tunneled PDUsession with the second network, NW2, via SIM2. Thus, a SIM of amulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can have multiple internet data PDUsessions established with different wireless networks using differentSIMs/eSIMs of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102, where only one ofthe multiple PDU sessions will be active at a time. At 1232, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 is registered with both networks, NW1and NW2, using respective SIMs and is able to originate or receive voiceor video connections with either SIM. At 1242, the IMS network element312 originates a voice or video connection for SIM2 by sending a pagefor a VoLTE or VoNR call to SIM2 402-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102. At 1244, SIM2 402-2 sends a message to SIM1 402-1 indicatinga request to use radio frequency (RF) resources for the incoming VoLTEor VoNR call. As the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can only supportactive connections for one SIM at a time, when the mobile terminatedVoLTE or VoNR call for SIM2 is established, SIM1 cannot use the internetdata PDU session via SIM1 and instead must use the internet datatunneled PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2. At 1246, the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device sends a request to suspend the SIM1 PDU sessionidentified by Session ID ‘A’. The request can also include a linked PDUsession ID that is based on a combination of a SIM2 identifier and theinternet data tunneled PDU session ID for SIM1 via SIM2, ‘B’. Therequest at 1156 suspends the SIM1 non-tunneled internet data PDU sessionand indicates a linked PDU session ID for the tunneled internet data PDUsession for SIM1 via SIM2. The request at 1156 informs the firstnetwork, NW1, that SIM1 data communication should be routed through thesecond network, NW2, on the tunneled internet data PDU session via SIM2.At 1248, SIM1 402-1 sends a message to SIM2 402-2 to grant use of RFresources by SIM2 402-2 to establish the mobile-terminated VoLTE or VoNRcall via the second network, NW2, for SIM2. At 1252, the SIM2 VoLTE orVoNR call is active via NW2. At 1254, a network-initiated,mobile-terminated (MT) paging to SIM1 for a VoIP or Facetime connectionto the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 via an application server 1104fails, as SIM1 is unreachable (out-of-service). At 1256, SMF1 410-1sends a message to SMF2 410-2 to provide resources for MT paging via theinternet data PDU tunneled session. Communication between SMF1 410-1 andSMF2 410-2 can occur via the previously established N16 interface. At1258, SIM2 402-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 sends arequest to the core network of the second network, NW2, to activate thepreviously established and suspended internet data tunneled PDU sessionfor SIM1. The internet data tunneled PDU session for SIM1 (via SIM2) isidentified by the SIM2 PDU session ID value ‘B’ and also as a linked PDUsession ID having a value based on a combination of the SIM1 identifierand the SIM1 internet data PDU session ID value ‘A’. In someembodiments, the SIM1 identifier is a 5G-GUTI, SUPI, or SUCI for SIM1,and the SIM2 identifier is a 5G-GUTI, SUPI, or SUCI for SIM2. Theinternet data tunneled PDU session for SIM1 (via SIM2) can be usedwhenever a user of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 initiates adata session. At 1260, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 canexchange application data with an application server 1104 for anapplication for SIM1, via the internet data tunneled PDU sessionestablished via SIM2, while the VoLTE or VoNR call for SIM2 is active.Data traffic for the application data exchange over the internet datatunneled PDU session can be counted, e.g., by a user plane function(UPF) 706-2 core network element (not shown), and an accumulated datausage report for the internet data tunneled PDU session can be forwardedto appropriate network elements of NW1 to charge/bill against SIM1 (forwhich the internet data service applies) rather than with SIM2 (forwhich resources are used to convey the data traffic via tunneling). At1262, SMF2 410-2 provides to SMF1 410-1 via an N16 interface anaccumulated data usage report regarding data bytes consumed (and/or timeaccumulated) by the tunneled internet data PDU session. The accumulateddata usage report can be communicated between SMFs using a modifiedsecurity edge protection proxy (SEPP) protocol message. At 1264, SMF1410-1 forwards to the PCF 712-1 of NW1 the accumulated data usage report(or information extracted therefrom regarding data bytes consumed and/ortime accumulated) for counting/billing purposes. The PCF 712-1 of NW1can account for the accumulated data usage via the tunneled internetdata PDU session to SIM1.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate diagrams 1300, 1350 of another exemplaryset of actions taken by a multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 toestablish internet data PDU session tunneling for multiple SIMs that areassociated with different SMFs 410-1, 410-2, which can be located in thesame PLMN (intra-PLMN, inter-SMF data tunneling) or in different PLMNs(inter-PLMN, inter-SMF data tunneling). The set of actions illustratedin FIGS. 13A and 13B provide a streamlined (optimized) approach toestablish UE-initiated (mobile-originated (MO)) or NW-initiated(mobile-terminated (MT)) internet data PDU session tunneling. Aninternet data tunneled PDU session is created for one SIM only whenrequired based on the other SIM being used for an active voiceconnection. This approach conserves network-side and device-sideresources as the tunneled PDU session is not activated and suspended butrather created as required for a SIM that will be out-of-service whenanother SIM actively uses the radio resources for a voice connection.The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can include a first SIM/eSIM,indicated as SIM1 302-1, and a second SIM/eSIM, indicated as SIM2 302-2.At 1320, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can register SIM1 402-1with network elements of a first 5G network, NW1, e.g., via RANI 406-1to AMF1 408-1 and SMF1 410-1. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 provides information for a second SIM, e.g., SIM2402-2, when registering a first SIM, e.g., SIM1 402-1. Information forthe second SIM can include one or more identifiers for the second SIM,e.g., IMSI, 5G-GUTI, MSISDN, SUPI, and/or SUCI values. Themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also provide information about asecond network, NW2, for the MNO associated with SIM2 402-2, whenregistering SIM1 402-1. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can also indicate device support for a multi-SIM, tunnelingfeature and can obtain information from the first network, NW1,indicating capability of the first network, NW1, to support themulti-SIM, tunneling feature with the second network, NW2, whenregistering SIM1 402-1. At 1324, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102can establish with the first network, NW1, an internet data PDU sessionfor SIM1 using SIM1, identifying ‘Internet’ as the DNN for the servicefor the internet data PDU session. The SIM1 internet data PDU sessioncan be assigned a numerical integer identifier, e.g., ‘A’. At 1326, themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can register SIM2 402-2 with networkelements of the second 5G network, NW2. The multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can also provide multi-SIM, tunneling feature capabilityinformation to the second network, NW2, and obtain information about thesecond network's capability to support for the multi-SIM, tunnelingfeature with the first network NW1 when registering SIM2 402-2. Themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can also provide identifiers for SIM1402-1 and SIM1 MNO information. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM/eSIMwireless device 102 requests multi-SIM, tunneling capability for one ormore particular services during registration with the first network,NW1, and/or the second network, NW2, and the first and/or secondnetworks NW1, NW2, with which the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102registers, can indicate services that are granted multi-SIM, tunnelingcapability. At 1328, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 isregistered with both networks, NW1 and NW2, using respective SIMs and isable to originate or receive voice or video connections with either SIM.At 1330, the IMS network element 312 originates a voice or videoconnection for SIM2 by sending a page for a VoLTE or VoNR call to SIM2402-2 of the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102. At 1332, SIM2 402-2sends a message to SIM1 402-1 indicating a request to use radiofrequency (RF) resources for the incoming VoLTE or VoNR call. As themulti-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can only support active connectionsfor one SIM at a time, when the mobile terminated VoLTE or VoNR call forSIM2 is established, SIM1 cannot use the internet data PDU session viaSIM1 and instead must use an internet data tunneled PDU session for SIM1via SIM2. The internet data tunneled PDU session is established asneeded in FIGS. 13A and 13B, rather than established and suspended asdescribed previously. At 1334, the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device sendsa request to suspend the SIM1 PDU session identified by Session ID ‘A’.The request can also include a linked PDU session ID that is based on acombination of a SIM2 identifier and an internet data tunneled PDUsession ID for SIM1 via SIM2, ‘B’. The request at 1334 suspends the SIM1non-tunneled internet data PDU session and indicates a linked PDUsession ID for a tunneled internet data PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2.The request at 1334 informs the first network, NW1, that SIM1 datacommunication should be routed through the second network, NW2, on atunneled internet data PDU session via SIM2. At 1336, security edgeprotection proxies (SEPPs) of the respective first and second networks,NW1 and NW2, establish an N16 interface between SMF1 410-1 of NW1 andSMF2 410-2 of NW2 using SEPP procedures. The SEPPs can set securitypolicies for inter-SMF (intra-PLMN or inter-PLMN) control planeinterfaces via an N32 interface. At 1352, the multi-SIM/eSIM wirelessdevice 102 can establish with the second network, NW2, a second internetdata PDU session for SIM1, where the second internet data PDU session isthe tunneled PDU session for SIM1 using SIM2, identifying ‘Internet’ asthe DNN for the service and assigned a different numerical integeridentifier, e.g., ‘B’. The tunneled PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2 canalso be assigned a unique linked PDU session identifier (ID), e.g., bycombining a unique SIM1 identifier with the previous SIM1 internet dataPDU session ID (‘A’). In some embodiments, the SIM1 identifier is a5G-GUTI, SUPI, or SUCI for SIM1, and the SIM2 identifier is a 5G-GUTI,SUPI, or SUCI for SIM2. The multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 canprovide the unique linked PDU session ID when sending to the secondnetwork, NW2, a request to establish the tunneled PDU session, and thesecond network, NW2, can include the unique linked PDU session ID whenproviding a response to accept establishment of the tunneled PDUsession. In some embodiments, absence of the linked PDU session ID inthe response from the second network, NW2, can indicate that the secondnetwork, NW2, is unable to link together the active PDU session and thestandby (tunneled) PDU session, and thus the multi-SIM, tunnelingcapability using the linked PDU session feature may be not supported bythe second network, NW2. At 1354, SIM1 402-1 sends a message to SIM2402-2 to grant use of RF resources by SIM2 402-2 to establish themobile-terminated VoLTE or VoNR call via the second network, NW2, forSIM2. At 1356, the SIM2 VoLTE or VoNR call is active via NW2. At 1358,the multi-SIM/eSIM wireless device 102 can exchange application datawith an application server 504 for an application for SIM1, via theinternet data tunneled PDU session established via SIM2, while the VoLTEor VoNR call for SIM2 is active. Data traffic for the application dataexchange over the internet data tunneled PDU session can be counted,e.g., by a user plane function (UPF) 706-2 core network element (notshown), and an accumulated data usage report for the internet datatunneled PDU session can be forwarded to appropriate network elements ofNW1 to charge/bill against SIM1 (for which the internet data serviceapplies) rather than with SIM2 (for which resources are used to conveythe data traffic via tunneling). At 1360, the SIM2 VoLTE or VoNR callvia the second network, NW2, for SIM2 ends. At 1362, SIM2 402-2 requeststhat the internet data tunneled PDU session for SIM1 via SIM2 bereleased. The internet data tunneled PDU session is identified in therequest at 1362 by the PDU session ID ‘B’ and the linked PDU session IDthat is based on a combination of a SIM1 identifier and the SIM1internet data PDU session ID ‘A’. In some embodiments, the SIM1identifier is a 5G-GUTI, SUPI, or SUCI for SIM1, and the SIM2 identifieris a 5G-GUTI, SUPI, or SUCI for SIM2. At 1364, SMF2 410-2 provides toSMF1 410-1 via an N16 interface an accumulated data usage reportregarding data bytes consumed (and/or time accumulated) by the tunneledinternet data PDU session. The accumulated data usage report can becommunicated between SMFs using a modified SEPP protocol message. At1366, SMF1 410-1 forwards to the PCF 712-1 of NW1 the accumulated datausage report (or information extracted therefrom regarding data bytesconsumed and/or time accumulated) for counting/billing purposes. The PCF712-1 of NW1 can account for the accumulated data usage via the tunneledinternet data PDU session to SIM1.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate diagrams 1400, 1410, 1420, 1430 foraccumulated data usage reporting between SMFs. A UPF 706 of a networkcan provide a report of accumulated data usage to an SMF 702 of thenetwork. The report can provide information for data bytes consumedand/or time accumulated by a tunneled internet data PDU session. In somescenarios, the UPF 706 can provide the accumulated data usage report toa domestic visited SMF (V-SMF), which can be forwarded to a domestichome SMF (H-SMF). In some embodiments, the accumulated data usage reportis communicated between different SMFs using an SMF service message.Representative SMF service messages that can include the accumulateddata usage report include a Release message and a StatusNotify messageillustrated in table of diagram 1410. Communication of the accumulateddata usage report between SMFs can be included in an information element(IE) of an Nsfm_PDUSession_Subscribe message as shown in diagram 1420 orin an Nsfm_PDUSession_UpdateRequest message as shown in diagram 1430.The receiving SMF can respond to the Nsmf_PDUSession_Subscribe messagewith an Nsmf_PDUSession_StatusNotify message as shown in diagram 1420.Alternatively, as shown in diagram 1430, the receiving SMF can respondto the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateRequest message is anNsmf_PDUSession_UPdateResponse message. In some embodiments, anNsmf_PDUSession_StatusNotify service operation can be used by an SMF tonotify its consumers about a status of a PDU session, which can includedata consumed by a released PDU session, e.g., used for an internet datatunneled PDU session. In some embodiments, an accumulated usage datareport that includes data consumed and/or time duration accumulated by areleased linked PDU session can be communicated via anNsmf_PDUSession_StatusNotify service operation message. In someembodiments, an accumulated usage data report that includes dataconsumed and/or time duration accumulated by a released linked PDUsession can be communicated via an Nsmf_PDUSession_Release serviceoperation message.

Representative Embodiments

In some embodiments, a method to access services of multiple subscriberidentity modules (SIMs) by a single-radio wireless device incommunication with a cellular wireless network includes: i) establishinga first protocol data unit (PDU) session for a first SIM to access afirst cellular service; ii) establishing a second PDU session for asecond SIM to access a second cellular service; iii) establishing, usingthe second SIM for the first SIM, a tunneled PDU session using anidentical data network name (DNN) used for the first SIM to access thefirst cellular service; iv) requesting suspension of the tunneled PDUsession; v) responsive to receipt of a page indication or a non-accessstratum (NAS) notification message to establish a connection for thesecond SIM, a) requesting suspension of the first PDU session for thefirst SIM, and b) establishing the connection for the second SIM usingthe second PDU session for the second SIM; and vi) requesting activationof the tunneled PDU session for the first SIM via the second SIM, wheresignaling and/or data traffic for the first SIM is transported via thetunneled PDU session via the second SIM.

In some embodiments, the NAS notification message is received via a 3GPPaccess. In some embodiments, the NAS notification message is receivedvia a non-3GPP access indicating an access type as 3GPP access. In someembodiments, the method further includes the single-radio wirelessdevice providing information for the first SIM during registration ofthe second SIM with the cellular wireless network. In some embodiments,the information for the first SIM includes one or more identifiers forthe first SIM. In some embodiments, the one or more identifiers for thefirst SIM include an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), afifth-generation globally unique temporary identity (5G-GUTI), a mobilestation international subscriber directory number (MSISDN), asubscription permanent identifier (SUPI), and/or a subscriptionconcealed identifier (SUCI). In some embodiments, the first SIM and thesecond SIM are associated with distinct mobile network operators (MNOs),and the information for the first SIM includes MNO and/or PLMNinformation for the first SIM. In some embodiments, the single-radiowireless device indicates support for a multiple SIM (multi-SIM)tunneling capability during registration of the second SIM with thecellular wireless network. In some embodiments, the single-radiowireless device obtains from the cellular wireless network an indicationof support for multi-SIM tunneling during registration of the second SIMwith the cellular wireless network. In some embodiments, thesingle-radio wireless device obtains from the cellular wireless networkan indication of one or more cellular services that are grantedmulti-SIM tunneling capability during registration of the second SIMwith the cellular wireless network. In some embodiments, each of thefirst PDU session for the first SIM, the second PDU session for thesecond SIM, and the tunneled PDU session for the first SIM via thesecond SIM are each Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) PDUsessions. In some embodiments, each of the first PDU session for thefirst SIM, the second PDU session for the second SIM, and the tunneledPDU session for the first SIM via the second SIM are Internet ProtocolMultimedia Subsystem (IMS) PDU sessions, short message service (SMS)sessions, multimedia messaging service (MMS) sessions, visual voice mail(VVM) sessions, or the like. In some embodiments, the tunneled PDUsession is assigned a unique linked PDU session identifier (ID) thatcombines a unique identifier for the first SIM with a PDU session ID forthe first PDU session for the first SIM; and the single-radio wirelessdevice includes the unique linked PDU session ID when requestingestablishment of the tunneled PDU session. In some embodiments none oronly one of: i) the first PDU session for the first SIM, or ii) thetunneled PDU session for the first SIM via the second SIM is active atany one time. In some embodiments, the data traffic for the first SIM,transported via the tunneled PDU session via the second SIM, isallocated for billing and/or accounting purposes to the first SIM andnot to the second SIM. In some embodiments, the second SIM sends arequest to the first SIM to access radio frequency (RF) resources toestablish the connection for the second SIM; and the first SIM grantsthe request for the RF resources to establish the connection for thesecond SIM. In some embodiments, the first SIM and the second SIM areassociated with distinct mobile network operators (MNOs); and a sessionmanagement function (SMF) of the cellular wireless network associatedwith the second SIM communicates tunneled data traffic for the first SIMwith a corresponding SMF of a cellular wireless network associated withthe first SIM using a security edge protection proxy (SEPP) protocol. Insome embodiments, the corresponding SMF of the cellular wireless networkassociated with the first SIM forwards tunneled data traffic for thefirst SIM to a policy control function (PCF) of the cellular wirelessnetwork associated with the first SIM for billing and/or accountingpurposes. In some embodiments, the cellular wireless network configuresa separate data radio bearer (DRB) for the second SIM to carry the datatraffic tunneled for the first SIM. In some embodiments, the cellularwireless network configures one or more quality of service (QoS) rulesto cause Internet Protocol (IP) traffic belonging to the first SIM to berouted via the newly configured DRB on the second SIM. In someembodiments, the cellular wireless network configures a split DRB andassigns two separate logical channel identifiers (LCIDs) including afirst LCID assigned for the second SIM to carry its own traffic and asecond LCID for the second SIM to carry the data traffic tunneled forthe first SIM. In some embodiments, communication between thesingle-radio wireless device and the cellular wireless network includesa first data radio bearer for traffic associated with the second SIM anda second data radio bearer for tunneled traffic associated with thefirst SIM. In some embodiments, communication between the single-radiowireless device and an access network of the cellular wireless networkincludes multiplexed data packets for the first SIM and for the secondSIM; and the access network separates the multiplexed data packets intoseparate streams based at least in part on identifiers for therespective SIMs included in protocol headers of the multiplexed datapackets. Exemplary multiplexed data packet protocol headers includepacket data convergence protocol (PDCP) headers and service dataadaptation protocol (SDAP) headers.

In some embodiments, a cellular wireless network base station includes:i) wireless circuitry for transmitting and receiving cellular wirelessradio frequency signals; and ii) at least one processor communicativelycoupled to the wireless circuity and to a memory storing instructionsthat, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the cellularwireless network base station to perform a method to enable asingle-radio wireless device to access services of multiple subscriberidentity modules (SIMs) by at least: a) establishing a second protocoldata unit (PDU) session for a second SIM of the single-radio wirelessdevice to access a cellular service; b) establishing a tunneled PDUsession for a first SIM of the single-radio wireless device via thesecond SIM of the single-radio wireless device to access the cellularservice; c) responsive to receiving a request from the single-radiowireless device, suspending the tunneled PDU session; d) sending to thesingle-radio wireless device a page indication to establish a connectionfor the second SIM; e) establishing the connection for the second SIMusing the second PDU session for the second SIM; and f) activating thetunneled PDU session for the first SIM via the second SIM, wheresignaling and/or data traffic for the first SIM is transported via thetunneled PDU session via the second SIM.

In some embodiments, the cellular wireless network base stationconfigures a separate data radio bearer (DRB) for the second SIM tocarry the data traffic tunneled for the first SIM. In some embodiments,the cellular wireless network base station configures one or morequality of service (QoS) rules to cause Internet Protocol (IP) trafficfor the first SIM to be routed via the separate DRB associated with thesecond SIM. In some embodiments, the cellular wireless network basestation configures a split data radio bearer (DRB) and assigns a firstlogical channel identifier (LCID) for the second SIM to carry datatraffic associated with the second SIM and a second LCID for the secondSIM to carry tunneled data traffic associated with the first SIM. Insome embodiments, communication between the single-radio wireless deviceand the cellular wireless network base station includes a first dataradio bearer for traffic associated with the second SIM and a seconddata radio bearer for tunneled traffic associated with the first SIM. Insome embodiments, communication between the single-radio wireless deviceand the cellular wireless network base station includes multiplexed datapackets for the first SIM and for the second SIM; and the cellularwireless network base station separates the multiplexed data packetsinto separate streams based at least in part on identifiers for therespective SIMs included in packet data convergence protocol (PDCP)headers or service adaptation protocol (SDAP) headers of the multiplexeddata packets.

In some embodiments, an apparatus configured for operation in asingle-radio wireless device includes at least one processorcommunicatively coupled to a memory storing instructions that, whenexecuted by the at least one processor, causes the single-radio wirelessdevice to perform a method to access services of multiple SIMs incommunication with a cellular wireless network as described herein.

In some embodiments, a single-radio wireless device includes one or moreantennas and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the oneor more antennas and to a memory storing instructions that, whenexecuted by the at least one processor, causes the single-radio wirelessdevice to perform a method to access services of multiple SIMs incommunication with a cellular wireless network as described herein.

In some embodiments, a cellular network base station includes at leastone processor communicatively coupled to a memory storing instructionsthat, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the cellularnetwork base station to perform a method to enable a single-radiowireless device to access services of multiple SIMs in communicationwith a cellular wireless network as described herein.

Exemplary Computing Device

FIG. 15 illustrates a detailed view of a computing device 1500 that canbe used to implement the various components described herein, accordingto some embodiments. In particular, the detailed view illustratesvarious components that can be included in the wireless devicesillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and/or described herein. As shown in FIG.15, the computing device 1500 can include a processor 1502 thatrepresents a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overalloperation of computing device 1500. The computing device 1500 can alsoinclude a user input device 1508 that allows a user of the computingdevice 1500 to interact with the computing device 1500. For example, theuser input device 1508 can take a variety of forms, such as a button,keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image captureinput interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Still further,the computing device 1500 can include a display 1510 (screen display)that can be controlled by the processor 1502 to display information tothe user. A data bus 1516 can facilitate data transfer between at leasta storage device 1540, the processor 1502, and a controller 1513. Thecontroller 1513 can be used to interface with and control differentequipment through and equipment control bus 1514. The computing device1500 can also include a network/bus interface 1511 that couples to adata link 1512. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/businterface 1511 can include a wireless transceiver.

The computing device 1500 also include a storage device 1540, which caninclude a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives), andincludes a storage management module that manages one or more partitionswithin the storage device 1540. In some embodiments, storage device 1540can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or thelike. The computing device 1500 can also include a Random Access Memory(RAM) 1520 and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 1522. The ROM 1522 can storeprograms, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatilemanner. The RAM 1520 can provide volatile data storage, and storesinstructions related to the operation of the computing device 1500. Thecomputing device 1500 can further include one or more UICCs/eUICCs 1550that can store one or more SIMs and/or eSIMs.

Wireless Technology

In accordance with various embodiments described herein, the terms“wireless communication device,” “wireless device,” “mobile device,”“mobile station,” and “user equipment” (UE) may be used interchangeablyherein to describe one, or any number of, common consumer electronicdevice(s) that may be capable of performing procedures associatedvarious embodiments the disclosure. In accordance with variousimplementations, any one of these consumer electronic devices may relateto: a cellular phone or a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptopcomputer or a netbook computer, a media player device, an electronicbook device, a MiFi® device, a wearable computing device, as well as anyother type of electronic computing device having fourth generation (4G)Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE Advanced (LTE-A), fifth generation(5G) new radio (NR), or similar “later generation” cellular wirelessaccess communication capabilities.

Additionally, it should be understood that the UEs described herein maybe configured as multi-mode wireless devices that are also capable ofcommunicating via legacy third generation (3G) and/or second generation(2G) RATs in addition to communicating with 4G wireless networks, aswell as communicating using one or more different wireless local areanetworks. Multi-mode user equipment (UE) can include support forcommunication in accordance with one or more different wirelesscommunication protocols developed by standards bodies, e.g., 3GPP'sGlobal System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS), LTE, LTE-A, and 5G NR standards or3GPP2's CDMA2000 (1×RTT, 2×EV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD) standards. Multi-mode UEscan also support communication using wireless local area networkingprotocols, e.g., the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and wireless personal areanetworking protocols, e.g., Bluetooth®. Multiple wireless communicationprotocols can provide complementary functions and/or different servicesfor a multi-mode UE.

It is well understood that the use of personally identifiableinformation should follow privacy policies and practices that aregenerally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmentalrequirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular,personally identifiable information data should be managed and handledso as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use,and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.Further, some aspects of the described embodiments may be implemented bysoftware, hardware, or by a combination of hardware and software. Thedescribed embodiments can also be embodied as computer program codestored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computerreadable-medium may be associated with any data storage device that canstore data, which can thereafter be read by a computer or a computersystem. Examples of the computer-readable medium include read-onlymemory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, Solid-State Disks (SSD or Flash),HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. Thecomputer-readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupledcomputer systems so that the computer program code may be executed in adistributed fashion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatsome of the specific details are not required in order to practice thedescribed embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specificembodiments are presented herein for purposes of illustration anddescription. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive,all-inclusive, or to limit the described embodiments to the preciseforms or details disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art that many modifications and variations are possible in viewof the above teachings, without departing from the spirit and the scopeof the disclosure.

1. A wireless device comprising: one or more antennas; and at least oneprocessor communicatively coupled to the one or more antennas and to amemory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least oneprocessor, configure the wireless device to perform a method to accessservices of multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMS) and/orelectronic SIMs (eSIMs) in communication with a cellular wirelessnetwork by at least: establishing a connection with an access network ofthe cellular wireless network; and communicating, via the connection,multiplexed data packets for a first SIM/eSIM and a second SIM/eSIM,wherein: the cellular wireless network separates the multiplexed datapackets into separate streams based on unique identifiers for the firstSIM/eSIM and the second SIM/eSIM included in protocol headers of themultiplexed data packets.
 2. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein theunique identifiers for the first SIM/eSIM and the second SIM/eSIMcomprise fifth-generation global unique temporary identifier (5G-GUTI)values.
 3. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the uniqueidentifiers for the first SIM/eSIM and the second SIM/eSIM comprise afifth-generation (5G) serving temporary mobile subscriber identity(S-TMSI).
 4. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the protocolheaders of the multiplexed data packets include a tunneling header bitindicating presence of tunneling information including the uniqueidentifiers in the multiplexed data packets.
 5. The wireless device ofclaim 1, wherein execution of the instructions further configure thewireless device to: indicate that the wireless device supports amultiple SIM/eSIM tunneling capability during registration with thecellular wireless network; and obtain from the cellular wireless networkan indication of support for multiple SIM/eSIM tunneling duringregistration with the cellular wireless network.
 6. The wireless deviceof claim 5, wherein execution of the instructions further configure thewireless device to: obtain from the cellular wireless network anindication of one or more services that are granted multiple SIM/eSIMtunneling capability during registration with the cellular wirelessnetwork.
 7. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the connection withthe access network of the cellular wireless network includes a dataradio bearer associated with the second SIM/eSIM and used for datatunneling the multiplexed data packets of the first SIM/eSIM.
 8. Thewireless device of claim 1, wherein the connection with the accessnetwork of the cellular wireless network is established using the secondSIM/eSIM and carries data packets for the first SIM/eSIM via tunneling.9. The wireless device of claim 8, wherein the wireless device isconfigured to disallow establishment and use of a second activeconnection to the access network of the cellular wireless network usingthe first SIM/eSIM in parallel with the connection using the secondSIM/eSIM.
 10. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein: the connectionwith the access network of the cellular wireless network is establishedusing credentials of the second SIM; and the connection includes a firstdata radio bearer to carry data packets for the second SIM/eSIM and asecond data radio bearer to carry tunneled data packets for the firstSIM/eSIM.
 11. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the first SIM/eSIMand the second SIM/eSIM are associated with different mobile networkoperators (MNOs).
 12. A cellular wireless network base stationcomprising: wireless circuitry for transmitting and receive cellularwireless radio frequency signals; and at least one processorcommunicatively coupled to the wireless circuitry and to a memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor,configure the cellular wireless network base station to: establish aconnection with a wireless device; receive, via the connection from thewireless device, multiplexed data packets for a first SIM/eSIM and asecond SIM/eSIM; and separate the multiplexed data packets into separatestreams based on unique identifiers for the first SIM/eSIM and thesecond SIM/eSIM included in protocol headers of the multiplexed datapackets.
 13. The cellular wireless network base station of claim 12,wherein execution of the instructions further configures the cellularwireless network base station to: map data packets for the firstSIM/eSIM to a first N3 tunnel to a user plane function (UPF); and mapdata packets of the second SIM/eSIM to a second N3 tunnel to the UPF.14. The cellular wireless network base station of claim 12, wherein datapackets for the first SIM/eSIM and data packets for the second SIM/eSIMare counted and billed separately to separate cellular wirelesssubscriptions associated with each SIM/eSIM respectively.
 15. Thecellular wireless network base station of claim 12, wherein: theconnection with the access network of the cellular wireless network isestablished using credentials of the second SIM; and the connectionincludes a data tunnel used for data packets of the first SIM/eSIM. 16.The cellular wireless network of claim 15, wherein execution of theinstructions further configures the cellular wireless network basestation to: route Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling for aconnection request for the first SIM/eSIM via the data tunnel.
 17. Thecellular wireless network of claim 12, wherein the first SIM/eSIM andthe second SIM/eSIM are associated with different mobile networkoperators (MNOs).
 18. The cellular wireless network of claim 12, whereinexecution of the instructions further configures the cellular wirelessnetwork base station to: receive, from the wireless device duringregistration, an indication that the wireless device supports a multipleSIM/eSIM tunneling capability; and provide, to the wireless deviceduring registration, an indication of support for multiple SIM/eSIMtunneling.
 19. The cellular wireless network of claim 18, whereinexecution of the instructions further configures the cellular wirelessnetwork base station to: provide, to the wireless device duringregistration, an indication of one or more services that are grantedmultiple SIM/eSIM tunneling capability.
 20. A method to access servicesof multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) and/or electronic SIMs(eSIMs) by a wireless device in communication with a cellular wirelessnetwork, the method comprising: by the wireless device: indicating thatthe wireless device supports a multiple SIM/eSIM tunneling capabilityduring registration with the cellular wireless network; obtaining fromthe cellular wireless network an indication of support for multipleSIM/eSIM tunneling during registration with the cellular wirelessnetwork; establishing a connection with an access network of thecellular wireless network; and communicating, via the connection,multiplexed data packets for a first SIM/eSIM and a second SIM/eSIM,wherein: the cellular wireless network separates the multiplexed datapackets into separate streams based on unique identifiers for the firstSIM/eSIM and the second SIM/eSIM included in protocol headers of themultiplexed data packets.